happenstance
noun
hap·pen·stance
ˈha-pən-ˌstan(t)s 
ˈha-pᵊm-
: a circumstance especially that is due to chance
They came together by mere happenstance.
happenstance
adjective
Examples of happenstance in a Sentence
Our meeting was pure happenstance.
We met each other by happenstance.
It was an agreeable happenstance that we met.
Recent Examples on the Web
And June 14, which by happenstance is my birthday.
—
Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
And that's obviously not by happenstance.
—Heather Abbott, CBS News, 7 June 2026
By happenstance, the Fontaine Inn is about a block away from a 204-room hotel complex at 2560 Fontaine Rd.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
Perhaps even two or three odd happenstances.
—Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
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Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
And that's obviously not by happenstance.
—Heather Abbott, CBS News, 7 June 2026
By happenstance, the Fontaine Inn is about a block away from a 204-room hotel complex at 2560 Fontaine Rd.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
Perhaps even two or three odd happenstances.
—Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
Cite this Entry
“Happenstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happenstance. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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